Abstract: A lamp-starting device for use in a lamp socket adapted to receive the base of a lamp, the device having a pair of electrically-conductive plates disposed in spaced relation in and electrically insulated from each other by a housing of electrically insulating material. An electrical resistor is located between and electrically connects the plates, the resistor being in the circuit when the lamp is initially energized. A temperature-actuated mercury switch is located between the plates, the mercury switch being electrically connected to and located in heat transfer relation to the plate that is adapted to engage the lamp base. The mercury switch electrically interconnecting the plates when the mercury is heated by conductive heat from the lamp socket to bypass the resistor in the circuit after initial energization.

Abstract: A lamp-starting device for use in a lamp socket adapted to receive the base of a lamp, the device having a pair of electrically-conductive plates disposed in spaced relation in and electrically insulated from each other by a housing of electrically insulating material. An electrical resistor is located between and electrically connects the plates, the resistor being in the circuit when the lamp is initially energized. A temperature-responsive bimetal strip is located between the plates, the bimetal strip having a contact movable into engagement with a contact on one of the plates when the bimetal strip is heated by conductive heat from the resistor, lamp base and socket to by-pass the resistor in the circuit after initial energization, the bimetal strip being electrically connected to the other of the plates. The bimetal strip includes a loop disposed about the resistor and engaging the other plate and engaging an electrically-insulating member disposed between the plates.